My power supply for all the hand power tools comes from the ceiling and the cord is sometimes “getting in the way”.

One day, I opened one of the drawers and I saw some 10 measuring tapes that I don’t use anymore….junk collector will remain junk collector…and I got the “click”.

If you wonder why I folded the tape a few times, it’s for two reasons;1. The retracting spring is too weak at the end of the retraction and by folding the tape I got stronger spring force to hold and retract the cord.

2. By folding it I could bring it to the height of my extended hand and pull it down.

BillNo deal, my wife said that I have too much junk of myself and no need more…:)The spring clamps are from the time I lived in Japan. The small, were 50 Cents each and the big $3 each….I could not leave them in the shop….The critter is a 2” extension hose from my shop vac with reducer to 1¼” (the orange thingy) for use with my sanders, hand router, circular saw etc.

OscornerI’ve seen this article but I’m using AWG #10 running on the ceiling to this point that is the center of the garage and usually the tool cord is long enough for the rest.When I need to measure I take my wife’s sewing measuring tape :)

Love it. I was planning to buy one of those extension cord spools that automatically reel the cord. For the function, they aren’t cheap. I currently run the cord accross the ceiling and down a wall using staples. Your setup keeps it in the middle of garage.

USCJeffA word about extension cords; Usually when it’s written that it’s good up to, say, 10 Amperes, that’s the very upper limit of the cord (you never know what is the AWG of the cord).Never use it coiled, always open it to its full length.When it’s coiled, the heat created cannot dissipate to the air, the insulation can melt and the rest of the story is very “black” (and dark).

Although we use here 230V and the Amperage required is half for the same HP, than USA, I still make my extension cords myself and use 1 or 2 AWG above the required one.